Thursday, July 28, 2016

Summertime is a common time to do some work around the yard. While this is a great way to connect with the outdoors and get active, there are also some safety tips you should keep in mind for a healthy back. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we want you to stay safe while working on your lawn and gardens.

Stop working when you know your back has had enough. Even scheduling small breaks in your day can help keep you from being overworked.

Know how much you can lift. Use proper lifting techniques and do not attempt to lift, push, or pull something that you know is too heavy for you. In addition, never twist your body while lifting anything. Wait until you are fully upright to turn. Turn with your knees not from your back or hips.

Find ways to make tasks easier on yourself. Bring your projects up to your level so you do not have to crouch or hunch over them. Working off of a workbench or table can help. Another tip is watering the soil to make any digging or pulling weeds easier.

Utilize garden tools that exist to make your job easier. Some of these helpful tools include kneeling pads, equipment straps, and spades.

Yard work can be tough on the back, but the finished product is rewarding. Just remember to be good to your back and your back will be good to you! To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic andLongevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call our office at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website,www.summitchiro.net.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Flip flops are a common shoe to slip on during warmer weather. However, it can really wreak havoc on the body if they are worn for long periods of time. At Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we want our patients to understand that good spine health starts from the ground up.

Flip-flops are one of the least supportive shoes out there. Walking on a thin, flat shoe all day can lead to overuse of the toes, abnormal stress on the foot, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis. Because the shoe gives so little support, the toes have to grip the flip-flop to stay in the shoe. Overuse can lead to tendonitis in the toes and the Achilles’ tendon. Overuse and also lack of support can cause plantar fasciitis and over-pronation, which means the arch flattens out. Pain, irritation, and a flattened arch can lead to walking differently, which can lead to pain up your legs to your hips, back, and neck.

It is best to wear supportive shoes, however, if you still desire to wear flip flops, make sure they have arch support and a thicker toe strap. Sandals with straps that go across your feet are often more supportive than ones that have the piece in between your big toe and the rest of your toes.

Wearing flip flops now and then like when you are near the pool is okay, but frequent, everyday use can lead to problems. To schedule an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Sports injuries can be frustrating. No one wants to be taken out of the game. Here at Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, we are able to help our patient athletes recover and get back in the game faster.

With all the training athletes do, their bodies really go through a lot. Whether there is pain from an acute injury or there is reoccurring pain, we can help you get back on your feet using a total-body approach. Everything in the body is connected, so we treat symptoms with just that in mind.

Some of the treatments that may be beneficial to athletes include:

Cold laser therapy

Microcurrent Therapy

Cryotherapy

Adjustments

Vibration Therapy

If you are sitting on the sidelines due to a recent injury or chronic pain, contact us to see what we can do for you. To set up an appointment with Summit Chiropractic and Longevity Center of San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

New technology has the benefit of offering more accurate treatments and better patient outcomes. Here at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, one of the ways we utilize new technology is with microcurrent therapy.

Our bodies have natural electrical currents that help our cells communicate. When an area of the body is injured or when there is disease present, the cells cannot communicate as well, which leads to slowed healing time.

Microcurrent therapy is the process of restoring these electrical currents (it acts like a catalyst in jump starting the electrical system of the body). Electrodes are placed onto the skin over the affected area. When the machine is turned on, tiny microcurrents are passed through the skin and into the soft tissue that is in pain or injured. The electrical currents are so small that patients usually do not feel them. Restoring the electrical currents will allow cells to communicate so they can heal more quickly. In addition, microcurrent therapy can also reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and restore range of motion.

Patients with acute or chronic pain can receive benefits from microcurrent therapy. If you are tired of feeling pain or want to see what microcurrent therapy could do for you, be sure to contact us. To set up an appointment at Summit Chiropractic Health and Longevity Center in San Rafael, CA, call us at (415) 721-7520 or visit our website, www.summitchiro.net.